My Jihad is …

Anti-Jihad ads were put up in New York subways yesterday that have expectedly sparked a controversy. Although seemingly intended to be in support of Israel, which in my opinion is a completely separate issue, the ads target ‘Jihad’, which is a cornerstone of Islam, and are bound to thus offend a wide range of Muslims.

Both in Arabic language as well as in Islam, Jihad means to “strive” towards an objective. The best use of the word in the Quran is when God tells us to “seek a way to (get near to) Him, and strive in His way” so that we may be successful (Quran 5:35). The word Jihad is used in this verse to encourage one to strive to get closer to God, and one ought to thus perform good deeds. The word Jihad can be used for any effort that a Muslim undertakes whether it be a struggle for one’s own growth, a beneficial act for those around them, or a service for one’s country.

Since Jihad is considered a religious duty in Islam, for naive Muslims these ads are misleading and could easily reinforce the point of view that killing Israeli civilians is also a religious act, which it is not! In fact, killing any civilians anywhere is against the teachings of the Prophet and must be condemned. It is not Jihad, rather a crime.

In response to the ads, many Twitter users started tweeting with hash tag #MyJihad to explain what Jihad meant for them. Some of my favorite ones are below (and I retweeted a few of those too.) As you read them, use the meaning ‘struggle’ for the word Jihad. (Go here to see the live feed for #MyJihad on Twitter.)

Deanna Othman: #MyJihad is raising innocent, God-fearing children in an increasingly hedonistic society.

Ahmed Rehab: #MyJihad is to convince more Muslims and Jews that Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism is two sides to the same coin.

Layla J.: #MyJihad is to focus more on genuine humanity and continue my small deeds to everyone I come across and to restore my hope for the world.

Muhammad Omer Iqbal: #MyJihad is to follow the kindness and love of the prophet for all – friends and foes.

Dawud Walid: The best jihad is a word of justice to an unjust ruler – Prophet Muhammad (S). #MyJihad

imeanking: #MyJihad is trying to improve my character every day.

Amira: #MyJihad is in solidarity with every struggling, oppressed person on Earth.